Thinking about the past week.
Last week began in Salem participating in two Zoom interviews with applicants for a new Gilliam County position. Monday afternoon at AOC for the Health and Human Services Summit #5. Rushing home Tuesday morning and a telephone meeting while on the road with Trever Berry from CCS discussing best use for BHRN funding in Gilliam County. MCEDD meeting at 1:00 in the Gronquist Building and discussed adding the County to the MCEDD Strategic Plan becoming part of their economic development district. Wednesday brought an early morning meeting with the Road Master and then another difficult County Court meeting. I then met with individuals to discuss renewable energy in Gilliam County. Thursday in The Dalles for a NORCOR Board Meeting followed by a MCEDD Board Meeting that afternoon. The AOC Local Government Advisory Committee meeting was at 10:00 Friday morning. I then sat down to visit with my wife. During the week recall signatures were submitted Tuesday and certified Thursday. It was a difficult conversation as she started by asking me why I continued to work so hard for a County where some don’t appreciate my efforts and when was I going to start standing up for myself publicly.
So rather than attempt to justify and explain my position on the many issues and opportunities that exist for our community, I would like to just ask all of you, the voters, who I report to a series of questions.
I have worked diligently as your County Commissioner on many things that I feel are important to our County. Are these things important to you and do you know what they are?
Would you like to understand the many reasons for employee turnover?
Is it important to you that we address internal problems and make improvements?
Is it important that we reduce risk to our employees and our financials?
I spend a lot of time advocating for things that are good for Eastern Oregon and our County. Is that important to you?
Are you concerned about transparency? Do you ask questions?
Are there things you would rather have me working and focusing on?
Help me understand why a recall and shutting down the County will be productive.
Help me understand why the current divisiveness is good for any of us.
I am interested in your feedback and any concerns you have about my performance as your County Commissioner.
— Pat Shannon, Arlington
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